2017 Kia Forte Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 44about this part
- Share
- 14%of 305 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,288miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 44 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2017 Kia Forte, 14% of the 305 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,288 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“It started with the headlights burning out regularly and then I noticed water started accumulating in the headlights and then the brake lights and turn signals and I cannot keep my lights working I have received tickets for lightning issues and I have spent a fortune on bulbs already and it started within 2-3 months of buying this car brand new”
NHTSA complaint #11257126, filed 2019-09, 10,000 miles“While driving down the road the headlights flicker and go out completely. I have to flip the turn signal switch or tap the column to get them to turn back on . It happens several times on my 32 mile trip home from work at night . It happens in motion or stationary. Mainly when I use a turn signal or hit a bump in the road .”
NHTSA complaint #11339856, filed 2020-07, 12,000 miles“Headlights have gone out multiple times even after replacement with new headlight bulbs. There has been one occasion where the headlights went out while I was driving at night on a busy road. I've had to replace the headlights at least every 6 months because of this issue. *when did this happen* date is the most recent of all occurrences. Headlights are also always very dim even with new bulbs.”
NHTSA complaint #11372353, filed 2020-10, 40,000 miles“My car was parked outside like it always is. Went for a walk and when I came back, my car had been on fire. After fire department did their investigation, it was deemed electrical. The light in my visor or the wiring to it had gone wrong. My whole front of the seats is totaled.”
NHTSA complaint #11328786, filed 2020-06, 35,000 miles“Leaking oil in the in the oil pan gasket, also a notorious corrosion in the aluminum engine block, the Kia have less than year, when I take into the oil change, the dealer did a inspection in the car, but never mentioned the leaking oil from the oil gasket pan. The second problems the break lights bulbs constantly keep burning in the back driver side a the passengers side. In one year I replaced 5 light bulbs.”
NHTSA complaint #11204652, filed 2019-04, 7,298 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
- 10170778Jan 21, 2020TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HALOGEN HEAD LAMP LOW BEAM BULB CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information regarding the procedure to repair the bulb connector on…
- 10128616Jan 16, 2018TSB - SERVICE ACTION: OUTSIDE REAR COMBINATION LAMP WATER INTRUSION (SA327) - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the outside rear combination lamp pads on some…
- 10128613Jan 16, 2018Tsb - bod157/sa256 closed. Refer to tsb bod181/sa327
- 10116814Dec 2, 2016TSB -SERVICE ACTION: REAR COMBINATION LAMP WATER INTRUSION - SA256 - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the outer rear combination lamp pads on some 2017MY Forte…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 8% |
| 2023 | 3 | 5% |
| 2022 | 1 | 4% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 15 | 10% |
| 2018 | 6 | 4% |
| 2017 | 44 | 14% |
| 2016 | 10 | 7% |
| 2015 | 13 | 5% |
| 2014 | 22 | 5% |
| 2013 | 14 | 7% |
| 2012 | 23 | 8% |
| 2011 | 8 | 5% |
| 2010 | 15 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2017 Kia Forte
145 complaintsOther or unknown
49 complaintsElectrical system
47 complaintsFuel system
30 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
17 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2017 Kia Forte
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology